Traineeships and Apprenticeships

Course Code:

Course Code: CHC30121

Qualification:

CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education or CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

General information

General Information

Curriculum

Fees

What is the difference between a Traineeship and Apprenticeship?


Traineeships and Apprenticeships can be full-time or part-time, but cannot be completed on a casual basis. In Early Childhood Education and Care, Traineeships and Apprenticeships are connected to different roles and qualifications.

  • Trainees work as an Educator, Assistant Educator, or Inclusion Support Assistant, and study CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
  • Apprentices work as a Lead Educator or Group Leader, and study CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care


Existing employees can undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship. Trainees or Apprentices can also be school-based (where some training is undertaken while the candidate is in high school).

Information for Employers

Employers have training obligations. They need to provide an appropriate range of work, facilities, and level of supervision for their trainee or apprentice, as well as typical workplace health and safety conditions, award wages, and entitlements. They also need to release trainees or apprentices from work to attend training, or paying them to attend off-the-job training.

Where an employer cannot provide an appropriate experience in a particular area, they must pay for their Trainee or Apprentice to attend a workplace where they can get this experience. For example, in the Certificate III of Early Childhood Education and Care students must complete 40 workplace hours with infants, and 40 hours with toddlers. If a service does not provide education or care for infants and toddlers, then they must continue to pay the Trainee while they attend another service where they can gain this experience. C&K College can support the placement of students at an appropriate service, and where possible will try to select a C&K service.

Employers must nominate an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) provider to support the training contract. The AASN is the employer’s contact for all queries about Traineeships and Apprenticeships. The AASN gives personalised advice and support services from pre-commencement to completion for the Trainee or Apprentice, Employer, and C&K College.

Here is a list of AASN Providers to assist you:

Mas National: 1300 627 628
Skill360: 1300 933 358
Busy at Work: 13 28 79
MEGT: 13 69 63

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

This qualification is the minimum requirement for early childhood settings in Australia. Childcare and Early Childhood Education facilities are experiencing a skills shortage which means there is a high demand for qualified workers. The course covers the following areas:

  • Care and nurturing: babies, toddlers, and children,
  • Fostering individual development,
  • Promoting and facilitating healthy mealtimes,
  • Legal and industry requirements,
  • Planning, implementing and evaluating educational programs,
  • Working alongside other educators and teachers,
  • Work with family and community.

For more information about the Certificate III, click here.

Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care

A Diploma qualification in early childhood provides career opportunities beyond working directly with children, including leadership, management, and support roles.

The course covers the following areas:

  • Supporting the health, learning, and development of children
  • Supporting children's learning and development
  • Design, planning, implementing and evaluating educational programs
  • Work with families, community and external agencies
  • Providing leadership and support to other staff
  • Leadership roles in a variety of early childhood services
  • Managing compliance with policies and legislation.

For more information about the Diploma, click here.

Student Fees

If you are under 25, it’s free. Free means the Queensland State Government will cover the costs of training under the Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s Program. This program currently covers the cost of training for Trainees or Apprentices who commenced from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2024.

If you are 25 and over, the cost is subsidised for eligible students. Government Funding does not pay the full cost of study. Trainees or Apprentices aged 25 and over are required to contribute to the costs of their training through a co-contribution fee. These fees are often covered by the employer. It is your responsibility to talk with your prospective employer about who will meet the costs of Training.

School Based Trainees/Apprentices are not required to pay a co-contribution fee while they are still at school but may be required to pay fees once their training contract has been converted to full-time or part-time post-school.

C&K College will provide details on all fees and charges prior to enrolment.

Traineeship Co-contribution Fees

Student Fee TypePer UnitPer Course
Non-concession Fee$1.60 per nominal hour$1737.60
Concession Fee$0.64 per nominal hours$695.04
Fee Free Under 25$0$0
School-Based Traineeship$0$0

Apprenticeship Co-contribution Fees

Student Fee TypePer UnitPer Course
Non-concession Fee$1.60 per nominal hour$2244.80
Concession Fee$0.64 per nominal hours$898.85
Fee Free Under 25$0$0
School-Based Traineeship$0$0

*Fees are dependent on electives studied. See the Employer, Trainee & Apprentice Student Guide for further details on fees.

Female Educator with child on playground together.

Course Overview

Traineeships and Apprenticeships combine training with paid work. As a Trainee or Apprentice, you get paid to gain a nationally recognised qualification. You build valuable skills in the workplace under the guidance of a workplace supervisor, and you learn with a Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO).

To study with C&K College while you undertake a Traineeship or Apprenticeship you first need to find a workplace willing to employee you. Your employer will appoint an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) provider to help manage your training contract. When setting up the training contract you simply nominate C&K College of Early Childhood as the SRTO and we will send an enrolment package to you.

Download our full student guide here.

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